Benevolent Charity Of the six characteristic of benevolence, charity stands first. Charity in its definition is to give to the needy. But the generosity of charity comes in many different forms. To understand the significance of true charity, it will be discussed from the perspective of benevolence. A benevolent person lives his life based on love and kindness and sacrifices selflessly for the world and all sentient beings. This brings him a meaningful life. Traceless Charity is to give and sacrifice without leaving a trace. This is the charity a benevolent one will practice. He sacrifices his life to give selflessly, yet feels guilt and shame for not giving enough. He always asks LAO MU (God) to forgive his misdeeds and lack of sacrifice. “I have sacrificed for others” does not exist in his mind. His heart is like heaven and the great earth who provides and nurtures selflessly without uttering a word. This is the great spirit of the heavenly heart, the marvelous nature of the true void. In simple terms, this is the spirit of Benevolent Foolishness. If any concept of sacrifice ponders in his mind, then it is not charity from true loving-kindness. Traceless Charity is the virtue of faith because he gives and sacrifices ceaselessly. Sacrifice remains sacrifice, and giving remains giving. He does not question them. He contributes his life to the world, without any concept of contribution. He does not claim his efforts, nor does he complain about his pain and sufferings. The notion of “I” does not arise in his mind. But when one claims his efforts, abilities, and sacrifices, he is just a layman. The virtuous one does not speak or think of his virtuous deeds because he realizes that all his efforts are merely the conducts of the heavenly heart. Many people may feel that it is foolish to give and sacrifice without being acknowledged. Some might question, " Are my efforts in vain?" When he weights his efforts, and realizes that all he had done has no reward, he questions the worth of his efforts. He might even feel that not being rewarded is undoubtedly a great virtue, but to speak of leaving no trace for others to acknowledge, isn't this meaningless to all he has done? When such questions arise, this is not having the heart of Traceless Charity. He does not understand the true meaning of charity and sacrifice, nor does he understand its significance. True Charity is the act of reuniting with LAO MU (God). This is the instant reunion with LAO MU.To understand this significance and act upon it, is not easy, because the majority of those who give and sacrifice are conditional. The condition may be the desire for mental or physical rewards. The world is populated with at least six billion populations, how many people understand the true meaning of charity and sacrifice? It might be difficult to even find one person out of a million who thoroughly understand its significance. It is not easy to practice charity unconditionally. When one gives superficially, conditions cloud his mind, and desire for rewards awaits him. Even the wish for acknowledgement is a trace of condition left in the heart. Such sacrifices can be commonly found and practiced by many. This is why we must first realize that Traceless Charity is unconditional. (To be continued......)